Are you ready for one of the most spectacular and spiritually charged festivals in India? The countdown has begun! 🙏
Train bookings are now officially open for the iconic Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2025, and this is your golden chance to be a part of this divine celebration in Odisha. Every year, lakhs of devotees travel from across the country to witness Lord Jagannath’s grand chariot procession.
In 2025, the Ratha Yatra will be celebrated on Friday, 27th June, and if you’re planning to be there in person, it’s time to get your travel plans sorted!
🛕 What Is Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra?
The Ratha Yatra, or Chariot Festival, is a centuries-old annual event where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is taken out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on grand wooden chariots.
These majestic raths are pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away.
It’s more than just a religious procession – it’s a massive cultural event that draws spiritual seekers, international tourists, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. This is also the only time of the year when Lord Jagannath gives darshan to devotees outside the temple premises, making it a once-in-a-year opportunity.
🚆 Why Train Travel to Puri Is the Best Option
With lakhs of pilgrims heading to Puri, trains become the most preferred and practical mode of travel:
- Budget-friendly and comfortable
- Multiple train options from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Patna, and Bengaluru
- Easy access to Puri station, which is just 2 km from the Jagannath Temple
- Safe and convenient for families and senior citizens
Book trains to Puri now.
🔔 IRCTC Opens Bookings for Ratha Yatra 2025
Indian Railways has opened bookings 60 days in advance, so you can now reserve your train tickets for travel between mid-June to early July 2025. Special trains to Puri are also expected to be announced soon, so keep an eye out!
Here’s how you can book your tickets:
- Visit IRCTC or your favourite travel booking app like Paytm.
- Enter your source city and destination as Puri
- Check availability around June 21-23 for onward travel and July 3-5 for the return journey
- Choose your preferred class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, etc.)
- Book early to avoid the last-minute rush!
🧳 Popular Trains to Puri for Ratha Yatra 2025
Some popular trains that connect major Indian cities to Puri include:
- Purushottam Express (12801/12802) – Delhi to Puri
- Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express (12277/12278) – Kolkata to Puri
- Konark Express (11019/11020) – Mumbai to Puri
- Yesvantpur-Puri Express (22884/22883) – Bengaluru to Puri
- Secunderabad-Puri Express (12744/12745) – Hyderabad to Puri
- New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express – For a luxury travel experience
Note: Special trains for the Ratha Yatra may be added closer to the event. We’ll update this post as soon as they’re announced. Also, for more information on the trains, check the official website of IRCTC.
🏨 Where to Stay in Puri
Accommodations in Puri get sold out quickly around the Ratha Yatra dates. So after booking your train tickets, look for stays near Grand Road / Bada Danda or Guesthouses near Swargadwar Beach. You can also book budget-friendly dharamshalas.
Book hotels on Paytm now & get up to 40% off.
🙏 Travel Tips for Ratha Yatra Pilgrims
- Arrive early: At least 1-2 days before Ratha Yatra to settle in
- Stay hydrated: June-July in Puri can be hot and humid
- Carry light luggage and essentials like medicines, snacks, ID proof, etc.
- Respect the crowd and local customs
- Footwear is not allowed on the chariot path – wear easily removable shoes
- Be alert in crowded areas, especially near the chariots
🌟 Final Thoughts
The Jagannath Puri Ratha Yatra 2025 is not just a journey – it’s a spiritual awakening, a celebration of culture, faith, and togetherness. If you’ve been meaning to witness this grand spectacle, there’s no better time than now to book your train tickets and secure your spot.
Trains are the heart of India’s pilgrimage travel – reliable, accessible, and deeply connected to the country’s spiritual routes.
So don’t wait till the last minute. Beat the rush, grab your seat, and get ready to chant “Jai Jagannath!” with thousands of fellow devotees on the streets of Puri.
